These tips will help you buy high quality clothing that will stand the test of time, and safe you money in the long run.
Have you been struggling with clothing that wears out at an astonishing fast rate? There is nothing worse than spending money on a garment that falls apart or loses its shape after the first wash. This does not have to be the norm. High quality clothing should last you longer than one season.
Yes, buying high quality clothing might be more expensive than what we are used to paying, but I cannot tell you how much money I have saved in the long run. Durability really matters when it comes to clothing. We wear our garments all the time, especially if we like how they look and make us feel, so we want them to last.
So, how do we make that happen? Keep reading for my tips on how to find quality clothing and favorite brands.
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5 Tips on how to find High Quality Clothing
1. Materials
One of the most important indicators of high-quality clothing is the material itself. How does it feel? Often, they are made of natural fibers which can be superior to their synthetic counterparts. You can find the composition printed on the label of the item which is often placed on one of the side seams or the top back of your garment.
Cotton, silk, linen, flax, wool are all great natural fibers. Additionally, many of these fabrics have antimicrobial properties which reduces the need for washing. Wool is also an active and moisture evaporating fiber that regulates temperature and keeps you comfortable.
Avoid synthetic fabrics as that is often hinting at cheap clothing, yet it’s starting to change a little. Several brands now use recycled synthetic fibers, which reduces the clothing waste. While I do think synthetics have their place (workout or performance gear) I try to avoid them on an everyday basis. Sometimes the addition of some synthetic fibers is the way to go. Synthetics can add stretch and help clothes to keep their shape. If an item is comprised of several fibers, make sure there are no more than 3 fibers in total.
The weight of a fabric is just as important as the materials themselves. For example, jeans, blazers, and jackets should be of heavier weight than blouses or t-shirts. While lightweight materials are a blessing on hot days, you don’t want any of your clothes to be see through. Sheerness is often a sign that an item will wear out quickly as there are less fibers. This includes all materials even silk. Good quality clothing should not show your undergarments. How to test? Hold a garment up to the light, you should not be able to see the outline of your hand through the material.
2. Fabrication
Next, you want to look at the overall fabrication. High quality clothes have straight lines and seams, will bounce back to its original shape after being stretched, and everything is sewed not glued.
Take a good look at the stitching of seams, or any decorations. Make sure the stitching is even, with no snags, loose threads, or loose stitches. One important aspect to keep in mind is the number of stitches per inch (SPI). Seams should be tightly stitched but not pull nor should you be able to see through them when you lightly pull the seam apart. All the edges are finished especially the inside, unless you are going for the unfished look.
Even non-stretch fabric should have a certain elasticity. Take a little piece and give it a gentle stretch. Hoch quality fabrics will bounce back to its original shape. If the fabric looks odd and stays outbid shape for quite some time, it might not be a good investment.
Another important aspect of high-quality clothing, every fold or seam is sewed and not glued. Once again sowing takes more time. Additionally, glue is very inexpensive and easy to use thus more often sued by fast fashion focusing on saving money and time. This also counts for quality handbags, or shoes which should not show any traces of glue.
3. Zippers and Buttons
They type of zipper and buttons and how they’re fastened can tell you so much. Metal zippers are preferable as they’re most sturdy. The sipper should also be appropriate in size and strength for the clothing type. YKK is a high-quality zipper brand, very common, and the one I prefer.
To check the buttons, pull on your buttons they should be tight but not too tight to allow the fabric to lay nicely behind the button. Buttons should lay nice and flat once buttoned. How loose buttons are, is determined by the thickness of the material. A wool blazer will need to have “looser” buttons than a silk blouse.
If your items come with extra buttons and thread that’s a good sign that the garment is meant to last. Ideally, high quality clothing lasts long enough to be mended. Losing a button can happen especially if you’ve had the garment for a while. Having extra button and thread makes it easy to mend the garment. Tracking down buttons can be very hard and replacing all the buttons on a blouse can get quite pricey.
4. Pattern and Lining
Patterned clothing should line up at the seams. It takes more care time and fabric to make sure all patterns line up correctly. Fast fashion clothing often ignores this to save time and money.
Well-made clothing should have lining where it is appropriate. Jackets, blazers, skirts and some dress pants should all be lined. Make sure to check the matrilineal and fabrication of the lining as well. This is another common area where time and money is traded for quality.
5. Fit and Cut
The fit and cut of an item are not directly linked to quality, they are equally important. The highest quality clothing will look cheap if they don’t your body properly. The same goes for the cut if an item. After finding a high-quality clothing item, take some time and make sure its s good cut and the right overall fit. Some fit issues can easily be taken care of through tailoring. It so always good to think about tailoring cost as big alterations can get expensive.
One of the most common and easiest fixes is the shortening a hemline (pants, skits, dresses). Shortening of sleeves is usually simple as well. Careful if a lot of buttons or style elements are involved. Then it can become intricate and expensive. Taking in simple clean lined skirts is also an easy fix. The more involved and elaborate an alteration is, the more expensive it gets. Keep this in mind before you decide to buy an item.
My Favorite High Quality Clothing Brands
Sustainable Clothing Brands
I have compiled my favorite brands, why I like them, and my personal favorite items or categories.
Able Clothing
ABLE is moving fashion foreword by taking responsibility for the impact we have on both people and the planet. They produce high-quality leather goods, handmade jewelry, apparel, denim, and shoes – all investment pieces for your wardrobe. This ethical company provides women with safe and dignified jobs which changes not only their families but entire communities. Able is also committed to reducing their environmental impact throughout their entire supply chain. Additional focus on reducing their carbon emissions, increase recyclable materials, and best of all a lifetime warranty on all their clothes and size swaps to accommodate changing bodies. What’s not to love?
Size Range: XXS – 3X Price: $$
Everlane
Enverlane is another great option that offers high quality clothing for any occasion, shoes and accessories. They focus on doing good for people and the environment by partnering with ethical factories around the world and select the finest materials. Radical transparency is one of their business models allowing the buyer to know what they pay for.
Size Range: Price: $$
Pact Apparel
Pact is an American Company that designs stylish, comfortable, and affordable essential clothing. Most of their evo-friendly materials is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) cotton. Additionally, Fair trade USA certified facilities ensure fair treatment and compensation of their workers through the supply chain. While prices might seem high, they are one of the more affordable brands offering organic cotton clothing. Additionally, they often have great sales which is why I count Pact Apparel as one of the more affordable options.
They offer a lot of lounge and basic cotton clothing in several color options which change seasonally. Some of their styles stay the same for long periods of time, while others change seasonally.
Size Range: XS-XXL Price: $$
Universal Standard
Universal Standard is one of the most inclusive fashion brands out there. “Every garment is fit on every size—no formulas, just fit models” and rigorously tested for different body types. They use sustainable options whenever possible and are known for premium Peruvian cotton, signature stretch linen, luxurious Italian wools, sumptuous French satin-back crepe, and enduring, expertly engineered denim. They clothes are made to last. US is well known for their basics but offer quality clothing for many other categories, from sweaters, loungewear, denim to affordable workwear.
Their “Find my Size” list measurements for every garment for all sizes allowing you to find your true size. They also offer the “Fit Liberty exchange program where you can swap sizes within the 1st year after purchase. Any pieces they get back are donated to First Step and Dress for Success.
Size Range: 00-40 Price: $$
Vetta Capsule
A sustainable brand based on 5-piece capsules to create 30 outfits for various occasions. Even if capsule wardrobes aren’t your thing, their garments make wonderful additions to any closet. Especially unique is that many of their pieces can be worn multiple ways. From dresses that are comprised of a top and bottom, to blazers or jackets where you can take the sleeves off or make them into a jacket, they have you covered.
Vetta uses many eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton throughout their garments. They also use renewable energy throughout their supply chain. Their ethical approach and final production in the USA are additional positive aspects.
Size Range: XS-XL Price: $$
Eileen Fisher
Another brand that is based on the ideas of capsule or system wardrobes. They offer simple and stylish high-quality clothing options for women. They also take clothes back to be resold, donated or remade into new designs – all part of their vision for a future without waste. You can find this idea of eliminating waste throughout their whole supply chain. This brand often buys used rather than new. Ethical practices and bargaining rights are built into the entire supply chain.
Size Range: XXS-3X Price:$$$
Tradlands
Tradlands aims to create women’s clothing that “you’ll wear 50 times over”. Their entire collection is crafted with organic fabrics such as linen and Tencel which make your clothes not only comfy and durable but also very lightweight.
They offer wonderful shirts, but to us their standouts are their comfortable and cozy sweaters and cardigans. Every order fights deforestation through donations. We especially love their pre-loved corner for secondhand pieces at a very discounted price, reducing the barrier of buying sustainably.
Size Range: XXS – 4X
Evolverie Clothing
A very unique brand that buys up left over fabric that is then made into limited quantity fashion pieces in fair trade factories. They operate out of Worthington, Ohio with their fair-trade factories located in India were left over fabric is being made into wonderful practical pieces for all life situations. I also love that they release their clothes every Friday in small batches, additionally limiting clothing and fabric waste.
Size Range: XXS-3X Price:$$
Elegantees
Elegantees is a clothing label founded on the mission to support sex trafficking survivors through producing stylish high-quality garments. From stylish dresses to comfortable T-shirts their clothes do not disappoint. The Founder recently shared that if something goes wrong within production, Elegantees absorbs the cost rather than their sewing factories and their employees. Unfortunately, this is an exception in the fashion industry and further improves their fair-trade supply chain practices. The quality of their clothing is just as impressive as are their ethical practices.
Sizing Range: XS – 1X Price: $$$
Summersalt
Summersalt are a US based brand, most well known for their quality swimsuits, they offer many sustainable fashion-forward garments from swim, to lounge to workwear. Many of their garments and swimsuits are ethically made from post-consumer materials such as recycled polyamide and Lycra. Their colorful clothes and uplifting prints will add fun to any future swim adventure. All their clothes are made with different sizes in mind and thus very inclusive.
Size Range: XS-2X Price: $$
Girlfriend Collective
A wonderful brand making high-quality athletic and athleisure clothes from recycled materials. Their philosophy is “good things come to those that don’t waste”, shown throughout their whole supply chain. Their core sewing partner in Vietnam is certified to guarantee fair wages and safe & healthy work conditions. Additionally, their garments are Oeko-Tex certified which regulates the use of harmful substances. A wonderful option for all your athleisure and workout clothes.
Sizing Range: XXS-6XL Price: $$$
Mate the Label
A US-based brand offering naturally made basics to provide people everywhere with essentials that are clean from seed to skin. They use a high percentage of eco-friendly materials and continue to expand their garment types and styles. Most of their clothes are made of organic cotton or environmentally friendly Tencel materials. They are careful to provide ethical practices and environmental responsible choices throughout their supply chain.
Size Range: XS-XL Price: $$
American Giant
American Giant is an American based fashion brand offering essentials, active wear, and accessories for women and men. This brand is driven by a simple idea to “make things better – make better things”. And this is very true of their clothing, they are made to last a long time. They use many eco-friendly materials and care about their impact in the world, not only within their supply chain but all communities they touch. When you choose American Giant, you stand for hard working people, for local communities, and for high quality clothing made to last.
Size Range: XS-XXL Price:$$
Fair Indigo
We love Fair Indigo, an organic clothing brand offering long lasting and fair-trade fashion for the whole family. Their T-shirts are some of the best organic cotton shirts on the market. They also use low-impact, non-toxic dyes in all of their products. Definitely something to feel good about putting on your body. They ensure living wages through most of their supply chain, traces all of its supply chain and visits suppliers regularly.
Sizing Range: XS-XL Price:$$$
Quince
Quince is most known for their cashmere sweaters, but they offer so many more high-quality clothing options. Not only do they have a great variety but are significantly more inexpensive compared to other sustainable brands. How do they manage to this even though they use recycled polyester, organic cotton, and silk? By shipping directly from BSCI certified factories with no middleman. Their high-quality clothing options for the whole family are endless.
Size Range: XA-XL Price: $$
Boden
While it started out as a menswear style fashion brand, it now offers high quality clothing for the whole family. I am including this brand as they are part of the Ethical Trading Initiative, to ensure fair and ethical working conditions through their supply chain. Additionally, they use recycled materials whenever possible and have several eco-friendly fabric options.
Size Range: XS-XL Price: $$
Patagonia
Patagonia, the sustainable outdoor brand for all your coat and gear needs. They use eco-friendly materials and have good policies to monitor suppliers and their supply chain. And now, the company has been given by the founder in the name of the planet. With high-quality garments that last you years, outstanding environmental and ethical practices, and a good range of options we love this brand.
Size Range: XS-XXL Price:$$
*Prices groupings are taken from various online sources to give a rough estimate. Lots of factors go into price detailing.
I hope my tips give you confidence and the knowledge to find high-quality clothing from now on. I also encourage you to pass your knowledge on to your family and friends. Everyone deserves to know how to spot high quality clothing pieces that last you a long time and save you money along the way. If you enjoyed this content, follow me along on Instagram and introduce yourself. If you have success using my tips, I’d love to learn about it in the comments!
Have a wonderful day my friends, till next time live your live with love and peace.